The Vixen of the Thieves – Chapter 8 – Marriage and Stealth -
A week had past.
Ezio had remained nearby. He was unwilling to leave his family here. With his mother and sister safe in Tuscany, his priority now was to convince his former sister-in-law to marry a man he knew little about, but fully trusted.
Isabelle moved about the guild headquarters and was not surprised to see Ezio up and about as well. She saw him, rolled her eyes, and kept walking. He fell into step with her. In his assassin's hood and clothing he moved like a shadow. No longer was he the awkward teenager learning to survive. He was an assassin and had become what he had been born to be to fulfill his father and brother's legacy.
"Sister." He greeted.
"Ezio." She said dipping her head.
"You seem sad." He said softly as she continued to walk.
"I received news." She said.
"Oh?"
"Lorenzo is dead, Ezio." She swallowed hard. "Three years ago. I just received word. My cousin is dead and I could not even say goodbye."
He took a breath. "I am sorry. I know he was close to you." He watched her. They had been as cousins though it was only a piece of paper that bound them as such. Perhaps that bond was thicker than blood.
Lorenzo De' Medici was not an easy man to get on with. He had been arrogant, but he had also been Ezio's benefactor after he had saved his life after the Pazzi had tried to assassinate him and had killed his brother. However, Isabelle had always been on good terms with the man, even helping Leonardo Da Vinci find work with the man while he worked on weapons and expanded his art and knowledge.
"Yes." She continued walking.
"Where are you going?"
"To meet with the tailor. Do you wish to come?"
"A tailor?"
"Yes. Who else will make my wedding dress? I cannot sew a dress."
He grabbed her arm even as she smiled. He pulled her to stand before him. "Tell me true. You have changed your mind?"
She smiled and dipped her head shyly. "Would you leave me alone otherwise?"
"No."
She shook her head. "I welcomed La Volpe's offer."
He gave a whoop of joy and lifted her in his arms and swung her about for a moment. "That is good news indeed."
She rolled her eyes. She then smirked. "So when is your wedding?" Putting her hands on his arms.
"What do you mean?" He asked setting her on her feet.
"You and Rosa…"
"She is not in stato interessante." He said folding his arms over his chest.
She arched an eyebrow, but moved away.
"What? What are you not telling me? Do you know something…?" He asked stepping toward her.
She smiled. "No." she said. "But it is a bit hypocritical do you not think to tell me I must marry when you will not."
"I will if her belly swells."
"Why not before?"
"I still like my freedom."
"To bed the world?"
"That is not…"
"Fair? Any fair maiden who catches your eye is fair game, brother." She smiled at him. "I have bedded only three men in my life. You have untold numbers."
"Thirty-four." He said quietly.
"You actually keep track."
"Shall I name them for you?" He looked at her sharply. "I can. In order if you wish."
She shook her head. She was actually surprised he remembered them all.
"Having family to worry about does not help an assassin it hinders them." He said.
"Ah so I am a woman and must bear the cross for my sins. Intesi."
He frowned. "That is not what I meant." He spread his hand and she turned to walk toward the kitchens.
"I am hungry." She said.
He sighed and followed her.
She rummaged about and found some apples, cheese, bread, and some salted meat. Ezio found some wine and he dropped next to her at the small table. She looked at him as he handed her a wine glass. She took it and sipped it a moment before she served him some of the bounty she had collected.
He smiled at her. "What are you thinking, Cara?"
"It has been a long time since we dined together." She said softly. "I missed it."
"I have as well." He said softly. He lifted his hand to her cheek. His thumb caressed the soft skin. It seemed like a lifetime ago when he could have been looking into those eyes as a lover and husband. Part of him still wished it, but that time had passed.
They ate the rest of their meal in silence, just enjoying each other's company. Ezio had not been with family in years and to just calmly eat and enjoy having his sister near was an odd comfort. It was also one he knew would not last, but he was content for now.
La Volpe entered the kitchen and smiled seeing Isabelle there. He went to her and bent close. She giggled and shooed him away. He turned with a smile to find something to eat.
Isabelle rose to her feet. "We are going to the tailor. You best not send anyone to watch. I do not want you to know what I am wearing."
La Volpe looked at her. "Why not?"
"Bad luck." She said.
He chuckled. "Is Ezio going with you?"
"Yes." Ezio said.
"Bene. I will see you when you return." Volpe said. He kissed his lover's cheek before walking away.
Ezio followed his heavily pregnant former sister-in-law through the streets. It was remarkable to watch how she moved. She leaned backwards to balance the roundness of her belly, but still did not look awkward as she moved about. They arrived at the tailor and he held the door as she walked in.
Ezio sat watching as the tailors selected fabric for her gown. Giana entered and smiled. "Uncle Ezio." She greeted. With her was Rosa who smiled at Ezio. The twins had just turned ten years and the new child would come in the New Year.
"Tesoro." He smiled.
"Do you want to see my dress?"
"Of course." He leaned forward. "Who are you going to be?"
"Flower girl." She smiled and she scampered off to get her dress.
Rosa smiled at Ezio. "They both love and admire you, you know."
"I have such little time with them. Moments are precious." He said. He stood and kissed her gently. "How are you?" He asked looking at her.
"Well."
For a fleeting moment he thought once again about settling down. He very easily could marry Rosa, live within Venice, and often be with his family members. He sighed. His destiny would not allow him that and he knew it, but there were times when he was very envious of his former sister-in-law.
He looked at her. She looked beautiful even with her swollen belly as she stood in the sunlight looking at herself in a mirror. He stepped forward away from his lover. "Come sei bella dolce sorella."
He watched Isabelle blush. He then lifted her chin to look at him. Her violet eyes lifted to look at him and he smiled and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Ezio." She whispered.
Giana came running out in her dress. Ezio laughed and turned to pick her up in his arms. "Oh, and who is this Bella angelo?"
She giggled. "It's me, Uncle Ezio."
"Are you sure? I could have sworn that a little girl who plays in mud came in here." She giggled and looked at him.
He hugged her and kissed her cheek.
Rosa came up to him. "You are so good with children, Ezio." She smiled and smoothed a ruffle of the girl's dress. "You should consider having them. A beautiful one with golden eyes."
He looked up at her. "Are you…?" He asked his heart beating faster.
"No." She said with a smile.
"I want a little sister, Uncle Ezio. I have been praying for one."
"Oh?" Ezio asked turning his attention back to the spritely girl in his arms. "And what if it is a boy?"
"I already have a brother." She made a face.
"But brothers are the best thing ever." He smiled and looked at Isabelle who was watching the exchange.
"How?"
"They make sure you are cared for and protect you."
"But a sister would play with me. Giovanni doesn't want to play dolls." She frowned. "And he won't let me shoot his bow."
Ezio laughed and kissed her cheek. "He is just jealous. Give him time, Tesoro."
She looked at him. "Do you have a sweet?"
He smirked. "Perhaps."
She then began to pull at his shirt. "Where?"
He laughed and then tipped her backwards over his shoulder, a hand firmly on her rump. "What are you about, little miss?"
She reached into a pouch at his back. He felt her struggle and held her tighter to keep her from falling.
He pulled her back as she lifted some coins she had found. "Clever girl." He said.
She smiled. "Papa taught me."
He then reached into a pocket and pulled out a sweet. "Here you are." He said as he set her down and ruffled her hair. He looked up at Isabelle. "She is more and more like you every day."
She chuckled. She stepped to him. "Ezio. I have a question to ask you." She said as Rosa took Giana's hand to get her to change out of the dress.
"Anything sister." He said turning to her. His golden eyes watched her from under his hood.
"Would it be possible…?" She frowned. "Would you consider…?"
"What is it?" He asked his face holding concern.
"I was hoping you would give me away." She took a breath and saw him take a deep breath. "It is all right if you say no. I understand, but you are my first choice."
He lifted a hand. "It would be an honor, sister." He said taking her hand and kissing it. He then pulled her into his arms to kiss her mouth softly then her cheeks. She smiled up at him as he pressed her head to his chest and held her gently. He felt like brother who was giving his sister to another man, but she had been alone long enough. La Volpe would care for her as well as any could. He knew that and he would be around as well.
ZzZ
The wedding was simple.
A local priest in the district was a friend of Machiavelli and had offered to marry the pair. La Volpe stood proudly with his bride beside him. The priest did not lecture them on the fact she was heavy with child as another Isabelle had spoken to had done. In fact, Father Orsini seemed very happy to marry them.
Only those close to the family were there, the twins, Rosa, Bianca, Antonio, Ugo, several thieves, Machiavelli, Bartolomeo, Ezio, and a couple others were present.
The dinner after was held in a local tavern. Bianca had taken the children home as the others had a dinner and were enjoying the times speaking. Ezio sat near his sister listening to tales about how the thieves had learned to respect Gilberto, La Volpe.
There was a crash as the door was forced open. Everything stopped and everyone turned to see some of the Papal Guards standing there, heavily armed and armored.
"What are you lot doing here?" The innkeeper asked.
"Finding something I want returned." Came a silky voice.
La Volpe and Ezio stood before Isabelle as Cesare entered the main room. "Ah. Several wanted assassins and the best prize of all, the De Medici whore."
"Leave this place no, Cesare." Isabelle hissed.
"No." He signaled his men and the rushed forward.
In the chaos, Cesare grabbed Isabelle and cupped a hand over her mouth. He dragged her backwards from the room. La Volpe cried out to Ezio who turned watching Isabelle being dragged away.
ZzZ
Isabelle was thrown into a carriage and Cesare barked orders as he closed the door and threw her to the floor. The carriage lurched forward and Isabelle struggled. "Now, now, my pet." Cesare purred. "We would not want you or the baby to be harmed would we."
Her answer surprised him. With a great heave she attacked him with teeth, nails, and anything she could as she struggled. He laughed as she scratched his face. "What a wildcat you have become. I remember you before hiding from me. Now you fight like a gladiator woman."
The carriage bounced over bridges and allies.
Ezio and La Volpe allowed Antonio and Bartolomeo to take charge as the last guards were dealt with and they gave chase. The carriage was large and slower moving that Cesare wanted. Ezio and La Volpe followed.
The rain the past few days had made the roads in the city outskirts muddy and the carriage wheels stuck causing the carriage to lurch violently and halt. The small bit of land that Venice attached to the islands with was very muddy at the best of times. It was surrounded by woods as well.
Isabelle kicked her half-brother in his face and then opened the door and tried to run. It was not easy and Cesare was after her licking the blood from his fingers. She had broken his nose.
Ezio and La Volpe arrived as Isabelle backed away from her brother. He had drawn a sword. "If I can't have you, sister, no one shall." He swept in an arch, meaning to remove her head, but she ducked and the sword clanged against another as Ezio stood before her.
"Oh, you…" Cesare hissed.
La Volpe gathered his wife to him as it began to rain again.
"So it is your whelp in her. I would have given it to you. I would cut it out for you."
"You are a monster." Ezio hissed and drove Cesare onto his defensive. "Get her out of here Gilberto!"
La Volpe nodded. He lifted her to his horse. Sitting her across the front he mounted behind her and held her as Ezio engaged the Borgia heir.
"Ezio!" Isabelle cried.
"Go!" He barked.
La Volpe rode into the woods. The rain became hard enough that she was dripping wet and shivering. He sighed. "We must get you warm and dry."
She nodded as rain ran down her cheeks and off her nose. They found a small cottage. The city of Roma was a few miles away. He pulled her into the house. It had leaks in the roof, but it was dry enough. He found some dry hay and a blanket. He laid them by the fireplace and then made a fire. She sat before it warming herself as he looked for food. This was a woodsman's cottage, but the man clearly had not been here in some time.
Gilberto found some salted pork and some other goods that he was not expecting as well as more blankets. There was clothing as well. Though it was too large for her, she would be dry. She changed as he helped and then she laid back enjoying the heat on her limbs. He laid down behind her and offered her some wine and some of the food. Though not hungry, she took the wine and sipped it.
A couple hours later, when her lips were no longer blue, Gilberto tenderly nuzzled her. "If you are too tired let me know, Tesoro."
"I…"
A crack of thunder made her jump and he smiled against her neck. "We are safe, my love."
"No." She smiled and accepted his advance. His lovemaking was slow, gentle, and he made sure to accommodate his growing child who protested some positions as much as he back. After they let their breaths and heart rates settle as they held each other. The rain continued all night. The soft noise lulled them to sleep.
ZzZ
There was a knock on the door the next morning.
Isabelle woke and quickly dressed. La Volpe handed her a dagger. She nodded as La Volpe drew his sword and knife and went to the door. He opened it and saw Ezio standing there.
"Ezio." La Volpe said.
"It is all right. Cesare escaped in the rain. He will make things difficult in Venice when we return."
La Volpe sighed as Isabelle came into view.
"Come old friend. Let us go find the posters and bribe some heralds so that your wife may reenter the city."
La Volpe nodded.
They rode to the town. Ezio and La Volpe managed to sneak in, but Isabelle was too ungainly to manage the climb up the wall. Once inside Ezio and La Volpe wasted little time ripping down signs for "La Volpe", Ezio Auditore, and Isabelle Auditore – "The Vixen".
Bribing heralds was easy also and La Volpe bribed a guard to allow her in when they rejoined her. They walked right back into the city and no one was the wiser. Cesare had put up many posters, but even as they went up, the thieves under the orders of La Volpe and Antonio ripped them down.
Isabelle decided to take on a low profile, at least for now, to make sure she was not found for the sake of her children. She stayed in the thieves' guild headquarters the next few weeks.
With her time rapidly approaching, it was not a time for stress. A doctor had proclaimed her and the child to be well, despite the excitement. Ezio and La Volpe were grateful and for now all seemed quiet, even as Ezio continued hunting for the Apple, the Spaniard, and other treasures for the assassins.